My Genealogy Hound

FRANK G. BROWN is one of Berrien County’s most enterprising fruit-growers and has passed almost his entire life upon the farm where he now resides. On section 12, township 4, range 19 west, in what is now known as Benton Township, he owns and cultivates thirty-two acres. Himself a native of Ohio, he is the descendant of a long line of New England ancestors, whose characters and lives were most honorable, and whose efforts were contributed to assist in the progress of their various communities.

The father of our subject, George Brown, was born in Kent, Conn., and was one of four children in the family of William Brown. He removed to Ohio in 1816 and settled in Lorain County, where he engaged in farming. There he was united in marriage with Miss Delia Richards, and they became the parents of three children, two of whom are now living: Charles, who is an attorney in Marquette, Mich.; and William, who is in the furniture business in the same place. The second marriage of George Brown united him with Miss Flora Gillet, and the only child born of this union is the subject of our sketch.

In 1858 Mr. Brown, Sr., came to Michigan and identified himself with the growing interests of Berrien County. On section 12 of Benton Township, he purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land and at once began the work of cutting down the trees and clearing the place. As the years passed by the results of his efforts became apparent in an ever-increasing degree, and his place took rank among the best-improved estates in the county. Here he continued to reside until his useful existence was terminated by death. He passed away in 1884, and his widow survived him for eight years, dying in 1892. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were among the most prominent of the early settlers of the county.

Born in Berea, Ohio, July 28, 1857, our subject was about one year old when he was brought by his parents to Michigan. Here he grew to manhood and received a good education in the common schools. In December, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Levitt Camfield, and the third in order of birth among four children. She was born in Canada and came to the States when four years of age. Four children have been born to bless this union: Mabel, Leonard, Levitt and Flora. Mr. Brown is an energetic, industrious man, possessing sound judgment and capabilities of a high order. In his religious opinions he is strong in his allegiance to the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his wife is also identified. Politically, he is a Republican.